This document presents the recommendations of the American Political Science Association for the certification of teachers of government, politics, and civics in secondary schools. For teachers of secondary school civics and government courses, notably American government and comparative government, courses are recommended in political science and cognate disciplines. A major in political science is recommended because it includes courses on democratic theory, constitutional democracy, and political institutions' processes that are the core of pre-college instruction on civics and government. The subjects and skills of a political science major are compatible with a broader social sciences or social studies perspective. As a discipline, political science encompasses methods of inquiry of the cognate social science disciplines and encourages its majors to elect courses in these disciplines. For the future teacher, historical analysis is a valuable tool for political science courses and for a minor. While a major is recommended, the prospective teacher should have at least a minor in political science, but a major or equivalent credit hours in political science is preferable. Primary courses should include introduction to American Government and Politics, Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory. Advanced courses in U.S. government, politics, and public law, including state and local government, comparative politics, and political theory and philosophy are suggested. A total of six courses is recommended from history, geography, economics, sociology, anthropology, and psychology. Training in instructional strategies should be included. The preparation of elementary school teachers is briefly discussed. (DK)

plus-circle Add Review

comment

Reviews